Piano Diploma, What does it involve? Options

[gershwin rocks!]

I took G8 piano a year ago and am still playing. I am keen to progress further, and I am considering a diploma, but have no idea what it involves! Does anyone have any experience or info about taking a diploma? Also, I am taking GCSEs this year, so would I have enough time to work for it?
Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[SarahSax1986]

I took G8 piano a year ago and am still playing. I am keen to progress further, and I am considering a diploma, but have no idea what it involves! Does anyone have any experience or info about taking a diploma? Also, I am taking GCSEs this year, so would I have enough time to work for it?
Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

What mark did you get for grade 8? What does your teacher suggest? What current repetoire you working on? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[gershwin rocks!]

Thanks for replying (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I got 128 for grade 8 - so close!!
I am currently playing Chopin impromtus (1 2 and 4), Chopin nocturnes (E flat), Beethoven sonatas (1, 14) and stuff from this random jazz book.
I haven't had time to ask my teacher about it yet, though. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/glare.gif)

[Deborah]

Why the rush? There's a huge leap between Grade VIII and a diploma, and plenty of repertoire to explore in the meantime. If you want a definite target to aim for, is there a local music festival you could enter? If it has to be an exam, why not look at the Trinity Guildhall Performer's Certificate? It seems to bridge the gap between Grade VIII and a diploma. Could you put on a concert, maybe a fund-raiser with friends, for a local good cause?

Full details as to what a diploma involves are on the diplomas page of the main site, but in summary you have to give a 35 minute recital, a quick study (for DipABRSM this is five minutes to prepare, then perform, a piece of Grade VI standard), and a viva voce, which lasts for up to twelve minutes and is a discussion of your recital programme, any issues surrounding it, and based on the programme notes you have prepared.

Firstly, make time to discuss it with your teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[jod]

If you are focused and really want to take the diploma then go for it, however I do agree with what other people are saying. There is more to life than exams. There is a massive gulf between grade 8 and dipabrsm.

But things do depend on what motivates you and how you would respond to the challenge. This can be decided with your teacher. However have you considered other diplomas such as the ATCL or even Trinity's performance Certificate. There is a different focus for the ATCL that may suit you better.

Enjoy playing the piano, and remember although we can offer you advice, your teacher and you know better.

It does cost a lot of money, so don't waste it on going for the dipabrsm and missing it by a mile.

If you were to post a recording of yourself on the forumsrecording site, or youtube, then we could all listen and be better equipt to advise you.

[Singer101]

You Tube! I love you tube...

Sorry I'm not really contributing and I don't know much about the piano or diplomas but I know that you're meant to spend the time between your grade 8 and diploma building your repertoire.
if I were in your position I'd go for the performers certificate or leave it another year or so as you mentioned your GCSE's are coming up.

You sound like a really good pianist though!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[Melody Amour]

I think you might not have enough time to do all the work as there is so much work if you are doing GCSEs with course work, etc. Also the diploma will involve tons of work and your GCSE grades might drop if you have to split the time with such a demanding diploma.

[EnharmonicJen]

A diploma takes up a huge amount of time. I started studying for mine a few months before I went to uni, but when I got there I was too busy with ensembles and studying and practicing various instruments that I just didn't have time to get it done.

I don't think you should worry about taking the diploma as of yet, but maybe work towards it, slowly? (this is the approach I'm now taking!). Start playing material on the diploma list (freely available, to download, or they'll send you a copy), work on finger strength and exercises... I think your GCSEs and subsequent A levels are possibly more important. If you want to take music at uni, they'll ask for grade 8, not a diploma, so it's not as if you require it to progress!

[DString]

Piano diploma what does it involve?
Alot of work

Dstring